Time has 'run out' for Clinicenta, MP warns

Time has “run out” for an underperforming independent sector treatment centre, an MP has warned.

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland said Clinicenta – part of the Carillion group – should “not be involved” in the management of the Surgicentre, based at Lister Hospital.

“They have failed and I will not accept or allow them to fail my constituents,” he added.

Mr McPartland and fellow Hertfordshire MP Grant Shapps, the Conservative housing minister, met with health minister Simon Burns recently to raise concerns over long waits at the treatment centre. They believe it sees only around half of its patients within 18 weeks.

The centre was criticised by the Care Quality Commission in April, with a second report is expected soon.

NHS Hertfordshire chief executive Jane Halpin said the primary care trust had “worked very closely with Clinicenta” to help it improve the service’s management.

She added: “We have made clear our expectations and outlined the need for all elements of these services to meet required standards and patient expectations. Our top priority has been to ensure the quality, safety and care of patients.

“We will continue to take the necessary measures to ensure services to the public are safe and that standards are met. We also expect the CQC to be issuing their determination, following further assessments, in the near future.”

A Clinicenta spokesowoman said it had “reassured” Mr McPartland it was “working with all stakeholders to reduce cancellations and delays”.

The centre had “only been operational for eight months,” she added. “Activity has reached a level where waiting lists are reducing. We are focused on eliminating patients with long waits which results in more than 50 per cent of our monthly activity being reported as over 18 weeks.”